I work as a clerical assistant in a pediatric dental office, and I am commonly surprised by the number of children who are scared of the dentist. Many kids think that cleanings will be painful, and they believe they will be scolded for eating sugary foods. Children are also extremely frightful of the noises made by the water spraying tools and the suction devices. As adults, we know that dental cleanings are easy and free of pain. We need to impart this knowledge to our children so they know not to fear the dentist. I have provided blogs that will help you speak with your child about dental care. Good communication, trips to your own dentist, and online videos can assist you. So will good brushing techniques that will make your child proud to see the dentist. Enjoy my articles so you can help your child build oral care confidence.

Teaching Your Children About the Dentist

Are Veneers An Option For People Who Grind Their Teeth?

10 April 2015

Alfred Kelley

You want a nicer smile, and you've been considering veneers to get straighter, whiter teeth. Veneers, commonly made of thin porcelain or a composite material, are laid over the original teeth to give them the proper size and fill in any gaps. They can last anywhere from 7 to 20 years before needing to be replaced.

But some people suffer from bruxism, or tooth grinding. They grind or clench their teeth together -- sometimes while asleep. Will veneers hold up to the wear caused by this grinding motion?

How Veneers are Placed

Veneers are attached with a light-sensitive resin that is cured with a special light. The bond is considered permanent, and the procedure is not reversible since you have to have part of your original tooth filed down or removed in order to place the veneers.

Cosmetic dentists have perfected ways to improve the bond of the resin cement and the tooth. Some studies connect the dentist's skill with how long the veneers will last, so it is important to have an experienced professional create and apply your veneers.

How Bruxism Can Affect Veneers

Bruxism is easier to control during the day, but many patients grind in their sleep.

One study done in 2012 found that people with bruxism were 7.7 times more likely to have some sort of failure, whether that was a crack in the veneer material or the entire veneer coming off.

A key to maintaining veneers if you suffer from bruxism is to wear a special protective appliance. If you already have a guard that you use, you may need to have a new one custom made to fit your new veneers.

Other issues can make veneers more difficult for you:

Grinding the front teeth. Most people who grind do so on their back teeth, which are unlikely to have veneers applied. If you grind your front teeth, though, the veneers will directly have that extra pressure applied.

Gum disease. If you have any signs of periodontal issues, veneers might not be a good match. And studies have found a higher incidence of gum disease in patients who grind their teeth.

Loose teeth. Over time, bruxism can loosen teeth. Even when teeth in the back of the mouth get loose or come out, the entire smile can be impacted. Front teeth may shift and veneers may no longer work correctly.

If you grind your teeth and are considering veneers, talk to a dentist, such as Aaron G Birch, DDS PC, about the pros and cons of this procedure. You may be better served going a different route to get that smile you've always dreamed of, or you may be pleasantly surprised to find that you're a good candidate for veneers as long as you take appropriate precautions.